Planning grant was approved to develop a comprehensive project project.

The location of the project is in Astola Island, 25 Km South East of Pasni Coast Balochistan. The project objectives are to protect biodiversity of Astola Island by recommending its designation as a Protected Area, to motivate the fishing community at Pasni and nearby villages, to preserve the ecosystem through education and awareness, to collect information regarding flora and fauna of the island in order to asses its importance and to remove causal factors disturbing the ecosystem of the island to restore the natural balance.

A survey team will carry out balance surveys to collect information on the islands ecological importance and identify problems .Surveys will include information on the socio-economic conditions of the area and asses fishermen?s dependence on island.They will further formulate recommendations for the Government on the basis of information gathered that Astola Island be declared a protected area.

Anticipated results of the project include designation of Astola Island by Government as Protected Area, comprehensive information data base about plant and animal life and possible solutions to ecological problems, heightened awareness amongst local communities as to the advantages of preserving biodiversity on the island.